Agreement Reached on COLA Payments for Ba Town Council Workers

An agreement has been reached between the Ba Town Council and the National Union of Workers for the payment of Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to union members for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026.

The breakthrough came after the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Honourable Agni Deo Singh, intervened to facilitate discussions between the union and the Council following a deadlock.

Minister Singh confirmed the resolution, describing it as a positive outcome achieved through constructive dialogue. He said the agreement reflects a balanced approach that considers both the welfare of workers and the operational capacity of the Council.

Under the agreement, COLA for 2024 will be paid in three instalments — the first on or before Easter, the second by 31 July, and the third by 10 October.

For 2025, payments will be made in two instalments, with the first before Christmas and the second scheduled for mid-March.

The 2026 COLA adjustment will take effect from 1 January 2026.

The Minister acknowledged the efforts of both the Council management and the union in reaching an amicable settlement, saying the outcome demonstrates the importance of continued engagement in maintaining stable industrial relations.